Courtyard at California Center for the Arts gets a makeover

ESCONDIDO  The museum courtyard for the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, has been redesigned and is featuring more exhibits and educational events.

According to museum director Olivia Luther, renovating the courtyard had been considered for several years.

“Our goal was to create a space that was more modern and user-friendly for the public and our patrons — and most importantly, the art. The space was like a blank canvas that needed a bit of color and texture,” Luther said.

In January 2009, a volunteer and a staff member from the arts center went to Lowe’s Escondido and discussed the museum’s sculpture court project with Lowe’s managers. Store managers asked their employees if they wanted to volunteer labor for the project, and the response was tremendous.

Before the renovation, the courtyard was simply concrete and decomposed granite gravel. It was used annually for the museum’s opening reception for new exhibitions. While the space served its purpose for some functions, it was difficult to arrange tables or chairs due to the lack of a sturdy, flat surface. Also, patrons often complained about the gravel stuck in their shoes.

The first phase was completed in November and funded by Lowe’s, San Diego Turf and Benzien Design. Equipment was donated by Sunbelt Rental, Neff Rentals and Old Castle.

Employees from Lowe’s and San Diego Turf donated labor and the material to complete the project. Raul Juvera, Lowe’s Escondido administrative manager, said funding came from the “Lowe’s Heroes” program, which allows each store to spend a certain amount on a community project.

For the next phase of this project, the center hopes to continue its partnership with Lowe’s and add seating, more plants, some shade structures and a fence to make the area more secure for art displays. The museum has used the courtyard for opening events.

Among the activities scheduled in the garden are the Benefit Auction and the Dragon Race 500.